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Klinefelter Syndrome

Topic Overview

What is Klinefelter syndrome?

Klinefelter syndrome
is a
genetic disorder that affects males. Klinefelter
syndrome occurs when a boy is born with one or more extra X
chromosomes. Most males have one Y and one X
chromosome. Having extra X chromosomes can cause a male to have some physical
traits unusual for males.

Many men with an extra X chromosome are
not aware that they have it, and they lead normal lives. Males who have Klinefelter
syndrome may be described as X-Y males or males with X-Y syndrome. Klinefelter
syndrome occurs in about 1 out of 1,000 males.

What causes Klinefelter syndrome?

The presence of
an extra X chromosome in males most often occurs when the genetic material in the egg splits unevenly. But it can also occur when the genetic material in the
sperm splits unevenly. Even though Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic disorder, it is not passed down through families. So, parents who have a child with Klinefelter syndrome are not any more likely than other couples to have another child with the condition.

What are the symptoms?

Many men who have Klinefelter
syndrome do not have obvious symptoms. Others have sparse body hair, enlarged
breasts, and wide hips. In almost all men the testicles remain small. In some
men the penis does not reach adult size. Their voices may not be as deep. They
usually cannot father children. But they can have a normal sex life.

Some boys with Klinefelter syndrome have language and learning
problems.

In adult men, lab tests in addition to a karyotype may be done, such as hormone tests or a
semen analysis, if Klinefelter syndrome is
suspected.

How is it treated?

Males with Klinefelter syndrome
can be given
testosterone, a hormone needed for sexual development.
If treatment is started around the age of puberty, it can help boys have more
normal body development.

Testosterone is given by injection or
through a skin patch or gel. The treatment usually continues
throughout a man's life but does not help
infertility.

Speech therapy and educational support
can help boys who have language or learning problems.

If a man with Klinefelter wants to have children, he may be able to have his sperm collected through testicular sperm extraction (TEST). During TEST, sperm are obtained using a thin needle inserted into the testicle or through a small cut made in the testicle. Normal sperm are identified and then used for in vitro fertilization.

How can you help your son?

If your son has been
diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome:

Recognize your feelings. It is natural for
parents to feel that they have done something to cause Klinefelter syndrome.
But this condition is a
genetic disorder and was beyond anyone's control.
Allow yourself time to deal with your feelings, and talk with your son's doctor
about your concerns.

Educate yourself about the disorder. The
common problem for parents is fear of the unknown. Educating yourself will help
you learn how to help your son.

Support your son. Provide education
appropriate for his age about Klinefelter syndrome and give him the emotional
support and encouragement he needs. Remind him that most men who have
Klinefelter syndrome go through life with few problems.

Be actively
involved in your son's care. Talk with your doctor about his treatment. If
counseling for behavioral problems is needed, or if your son has difficulty
reading or has poor verbal skills, get help from qualified professionals who
have experience working with boys who have Klinefelter
syndrome.

Encourage your son to take part in
activities to improve his physical motor skills, such
as karate, soccer, basketball, baseball, or swimming. For more information, see the topic Physical Activity for Children and Teens.

Work with
your son's teachers, principal, and school administrators.

Contact his teachers on a regular basis to
compare how he is doing at home and at school.

When appropriate,
let your son be present for talks with his teachers. Use brief notes, telephone
calls, and meetings to identify and solve problems.

Provide
articles and pamphlets to your son's teachers and school principal about
Klinefelter syndrome.

Encourage your son's independence. Although it is
important to be supportive, realize that watching over your son too much can
send the message that you think he is not able to do things on his own.

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